Surgical Management of a Three-Month-Old Mal-United Dubberley Type 2A Distal Humerus Fracture: A Case Report

Abstract

Fractures of the capitellum and trochlea are not common in orthopedic trauma and pose certain difficulties to address and manage. On primary x-rays, these fractures are commonly missed, and patients may be treated inadequately resulting in a restricted range of motion. The current case report presents the surgical outcome and challenges faced while managing a 30-year-old male patient with a mal-united capitellum, trochlea, and lateral condyle of humerus fracture. The patient had come with complaints of a restricted range of motion in his dominant hand which affected his livelihood. After undergoing adequate investigations, the patient was posted for an open reduction and internal fixation. The approach used for the procedure and the challenges faced during the surgery have been elaborated in the case report. The patient had shown an increase in the range of motion which was maintained at six-and nine-month follow-ups. Thus, it states that patients with trochlea and capitellum fractures presenting late and having a restricted range of motion can be managed adequately with good outcomes after proper planning.